Factors Critical to Knowledge Management Success

The problem and the solution. This article integrates literature on organizational factors that influence knowledge management (KM) effectiveness that have been identified in several bodies of literature: HRD, information technology, and management. A framework has been developed that categorizes the various organizational factors and their paths of influence on KM effectiveness. It advances knowledge in the field of HRD by summarizing existing knowledge, identifying gaps, and providing agenda for future research in KM. It also provides practitioners of KM a holistic understanding of how organizational context influences KM effectiveness. This knowledge may help them to (a) diagnose their organizational environment before launching KM projects, (b) communicate with stakeholders the importance of ensuring a KM-friendly environment, and (c) optimize their resources and strategies to remove organizational barriers and cultivate organizational enablers for KM.

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